Respiratory Protection Medical Evaluation Description: A respirator medical evaluation is a health assessment that determines if an employee is medically fit to wear a respirator. Also known as a respirator medical clearance, the evaluation helps to identify potential hazards of respirator use for the individual prior to use. To the protect the respirator user.
Medical evaluations are needed to prevent injuries and illnesses that can arise from respirator use. Clinical studies show that even positive pressure respirator use can be harmful. Respirator use of all kinds and types can cause alterations in breathing patterns, hypoventilation, retention of carbon dioxide, and an increase in workload on the body.
The results of the respirator medical evaluation can help employers make informed decisions about which employees can use respirators under specific environmental conditions and physical demands. Some medical conditions can make it difficult for an employee to wear a respirator at work. By having a respiratory protection program, conducting respirator medical evaluations and fit testing it guarantees workplace compliance with respiratory protection standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Who Should Receive a Medical Evaluation: OSHA requires the employer to provide a medical evaluation to determine that the employee's ability to use a respirator, before the employee is fit tested or required to use the respirator in the workplace. Employees that use any respirators including respirators such as air supplied positive pressure face masks or hoods must have a medical evaluation before use.
Should you need assistance with medical clearance we recommend that you contact your local occupational medicine clinic or visit 3M Online Respirator Medical Evaluation. https://respexam.com/